I have been trying for a long time to commit to learning more about herbs and healing with the use of herbs. I have in the past made various teas, incense combinations, smudge sticks (which are dried herbs bound together and burnt creating smoke which rids negativity), but I've neglected this hobby and decided enough is enough!
I have decided to start learning again by starting a new project which will hopefully turn into more projects each helping me learn more about healing with herbs. I have recently gone vegetarian and slowly bit by bit am trying to you use products with as little chemicals as possible. So this project has two uses, one to make a Tincture and two, to make lip balms, Calendula and Mandarin Lipbalms.
So this post will be the start of the lipbalm project and as part of this project I need to make two Tinctures, Calendula (Marigold) & Lemon Balm.
Tinctures are concentrated, alcohol-based extracts of plant materials. Instead of drinking herbal teas for example to rid a bad stomach or help you sleep, a tea spoon of this alcohol based remedy will do the same thing, either mixed with a little water or taken off the spoon.
Step One
Get all ingredients together, a weighing scales, my book which details all the information (I am learning remember), jars, Vodka, the chosen herbs, a jug and my special wooden shovel, this has been with me for years and is used solely for herbs.
Step Two
The ratio of herbs to alcohol can be 1/3 or 1/5 but as Neal (The Book) says to concentrate this is a 1/5 ration so I add 10g of each herb to each jar.
and don't forget I use this to do it!!! I just love my mini wooden scoop it make me feel like I am the village wise woman.
Step Three
Next we need to add the vodka to the jars, as we are working to a 1/5 ratio I add 50ml.
One the vodka is poured in each jar I put the tops on and give each a good shake.
Step Four
I then labeled each jar and put them in a dark cool cupboard. They are to stay here for 2-3 weeks, to give enough time for the alcohol to extract all the goodness from each of the herbs. Once this time has passed the herbs must be strained through some muslin cloth into a bowl/jug and poured into dark brown glass bottles which can them be kept up to a year. I will post to update you on the progress of these Tinctures.
Marigold (Calendula Officinalis)
A soothing herb that also stimulates healing of the skin. Take an infusion of the herb or dilatue the tincture in some water for abrasions, wounds, ulcers, or as a mouthwash. Use as a cream or macerated oil to relieve eczema, rashes, or sore skin.
Anti-inflammatory, use for Acne, allergies, athlete's foot, bites & stings, burns, chilblains, children's ailments - cradle cap, nappy rash; cold sores, cuts grazes & wounds, digestive infections, eye problems, infected gums, itchiness, nosebleeds, rashes, sore nipples, splinters, styes, sunburn, thrush, warts, flatulence, wounds.
To cleanse an infected cut or graze rinse well with water then dab on neat or diluted tincture soaked in cotton wool or lint this will sting but is powerfully antiseptic. For young children dilute 1 part tincture to 4 parts water. Washing a cut in carefully strained Marigold tea is also effective. Dab neat tincture or ointment on acne spots. For infected or deep splinters, boils, whitlows and similar problems mix Marigold tincture with Slippery Elm. Marigold is a very useful remedy for fungal problems - put ointment or powder on athlete's foot, ringworm etc. Taken internally Marigold tea eases heartburn, acidity and upset digestion. Marigold is very safe for children - use the ointment for nappy rash and inflamed and itchy skin, and the tea as a rinse for cradle cap in infants.
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis)
A wonderfully soothing and gentle herb for an overwrought digestive system in both adults and children. Drink an infusion or diluted tincture to relive colic, flatulance, stomach cramps and any stress-related digestive complaints.
